A key to getting the best from ourselves and others is to build on strengths. When working in teams it is important to recognise what strength each person brings to the group and provide space for them to utilise that strength. Through positive engagement with the team there is greater capacity for growth to occur through the influence of the team activity. For us as individuals, when we are faced with challenging tasks, we also need to discipline our thinking to focus on the strengths that we bring to the situation. For Middle and Senior College students, who are currently engaged in a range of assessment tasks and for younger students who may hit points of frustration, it is important to calmly identify what they are able to do for each area and take the next step to build from there. It is important to have the focus on a lifetime of learning skills and attitudes including resilience and persistence rather than the short-term focus on a grade or some other immediate gain. Each step forward improves our learning and our situation. One of our goals is to learn how we learn best. If on reflection we wish we had done something differently in the past, we learn from that, make the choice to do things differently in the future and in that moment, focus on taking our best step forward.
God walks with us each step of the way. In times of uncertainty we can calm our minds by opening ourselves to God’s wisdom and presence through praying for Him to equip us to make that next purposeful step.
This week, senior students Ethan Hall, Mali Davis, Sarah Gale, Rhett Ousley and Karlee Connors participated in the Lions Youth of the Year events held at the Caloundra and Currimundi-Kawana clubs. All students represented themselves and the College very well and we congratulate Mali who won both the public speaking and overall component of the Caloundra competition. Thank you to Mrs Rae Hall for her support and preparation of these students. We also appreciate the role that the Lions Clubs play within our community including the support of youth through a variety of activities.
On Wednesday 28th February, Year 11 students had the opportunity to attend the award-winning one-day RYDA Road Safety Education Program. In small groups, students worked with facilitators to reflect and develop personalised strategies and life skills that will help them respond positively to challenges on the road, both as drivers and highly influential passengers.
Our next OCEANfest meeting will be held after the Pacific International Women’s Day Breakfast next Friday 9th March. We will meet at 8.45am at La Maison du Patissier, across the road from the College. Please feel welcome to come and chat about how you and your year level can be involved. Where possible, year level stalls will be finalised at this meeting so parent representatives can make a start on their planning. If you are new to the College and would like to meet other parents, this is a great opportunity. Please contact us at 
Last Friday morning a very excited group of 40 swimmers departed the College to compete in the Primary Lutheran Swimming Carnival. The carnival was attended by seven primary Lutheran schools from the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane’s northern suburbs.
It’s almost time to polish the boots as the 2018 season approaches!
